Getting older and retirement both involve a change in lifestyle for most people, and it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as physical health. It’s well documented that being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness. It can also add extra meaning, purpose and enjoyment to everyday life. Feeling part of a community and making new connections, through hobbies or a social group, are key factors that can help improve and enrich one’s retirement years. Day-to-day living is made as easy and maintenance free as possible in a community, as well as providing peace of mind that future healthcare needs will be met when necessary.

Communities can exist or be created from a shared location, hobbies, lived experiences and backgrounds – and Grove Place provides just that, a sense of community. Grove Place is an award-winning, high-end retirement community operated by LifeCare Residences, set in 27 acres of idyllic rural Hampshire countryside, providing the perfect balance of rural living with a social life on demand.

Staying socially active is as important to health as staying physically active. Older adults with a fulfilling social life tend to avoid many of the physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties that those who are isolated encounter. Consistent social interactions keep people mentally, physically and emotionally fit. Studies have shown that older adults who are socially active handle stress better which leads to important increases in cardiovascular health and an improved immune system. Positive social interactions on a consistent basis keep one’s brain stimulated, mentally sharp and intellectually engaged which in turn can help prevent general cognitive decline. Moreover, staying socially active and feeling part of a community empowers self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. However, socialising after retirement can prove a challenge for some as often social life can be work-related. Residents Elaine and Philip Gaussen made the move to Grove Place to begin the next chapter in their lives and have never looked back as they thoroughly embrace the buzz and sense of community. Elaine comments, “We hadn’t realised how strong the Grove Place community was before we arrived. It’s so lovely to have nice friends and neighbours to socialise with. Everyone is so kind, and we feel at home here.” Grove Place provides ample opportunity for residents to meet like-minded people and even get involved in a range of activities and clubs on offer – be it board games, craft, ukulele, cards or music. Peggy Bigglestone who retired to Grove Place five years ago says, “I feel utterly spoilt here. There is a range of activities you can try out; I am part of the choir and a ukulele club, and I go out on lots of day trips; some of my friends use the pool or the gym. There is always something interesting happening that you are welcome to join in with.”

A 16th Century Grade 1 listed manor house forms the beating heart of Grove Place – a stunning building that is home to many of the exceptional communal facilities. Grove Place is dedicated to putting the comfort of the residents first by providing a wealth of five-star amenities to ensure their retirement years are lived to the full and run as smoothly as possible. Residents can stay in shape in the fully equipped gym and by working out with a personal trainer. Grove Place also boasts a chef-led restaurant, indoor pool, billiards room, relaxing lounge, beauty treatment room, hair salon and spa. Residents have full use of their own professional concierge and access to 24-hour emergency support and care. For those who feel like being a little more active, they can head to the croquet lawn or even the recently completed nine-hole putting green. The added luxury of ready access to room service and a housekeeping service is welcomed by many residents and guests are invited to use as many of the amenities as they choose. These on-site amenities are not something many people usually have on their doorstep but are enjoyed to the full by many residents at Grove Place, so even if many retirees are downsizing their homes, they are certainly not downsizing their lifestyles. Philip Gaussen is one such resident who embraces the plethora of top-class amenities and visits the gym regularly. He adds, “We have an external trainer who comes to Grove Place who has even worked out a programme for me to work on independently. Friends have commented that I’m looking ten years younger already!” Another benefit afforded to residents in the Grove Place community is easier access to well-tended outdoor space. Grove place boasts 27-acres of beautiful grounds in the rolling Hampshire countryside where many residents enjoy walking their dogs and taking in the kitchen gardens, orchards and woodland paths.

Tricia Caffyn and her husband Neville made the move to Grove Place and relish the sense of security that comes with such a supportive community and a sense of newfound independence. They still enjoy running their own lifestyle but with the added knowledge that they can choose between entertaining friends in their apartment for example – or popping out to enjoy a meal at the restaurant with other residents. Tricia comments, “We are still very much in charge of our own routine. Grove Place has enabled us to enter into the next stage of our lives with the confidence that our lifestyle doesn’t have to be compromised.” This sentiment is echoed by Peggy Bigglestone who agrees that Grove Place offers retirees the best of both worlds; “… the whole community has a great atmosphere. I like the company and my neighbours most of all, but also the privacy that I have as and when I want it. I feel very safe here.” Many residents don’t rely on the care facilities that are in place at Grove Place, but simply knowing that option is available and can be easily factored into their daily lives is something that residents find both liberating and reassuring. Elaine Gaussen concurs; “We’re confident that Grove Place will keep us entertained, even if we become less mobile. With its host of communal spaces and onsite restaurant, we’re assured that life will never become dull. We knew when we came here, we were planning for the lives we live now – but also for the changing needs or circumstances that might arise in the future. It feels like Grove Place can cater for all eventualities.”

Grove Place is operated by LifeCare Residences who is committed to delivering outstanding care, authentic choice and unrivalled hospitality with the amenities of a five-star hotel.

On 28th, 29th and 30th January, Grove Place will be hosting VIP Viewing Events by appointment only. If you would like to discover more about luxury retirement living and what is available, please contact Wendy Griffith on: T. 023 8074 3592 or E. [email protected]

Grove Place, Upton Lane, Nursling, Southampton SO16 0XY
www.groveplace.co.uk
LifeCare Residences
T. 0800 009 6950
www.lifecareresidences.co.uk